Outdoor unit, air conditioner, and method for controlling air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners using switching signals for constant-frequency operation result in high power consumption and significant indoor temperature fluctuations due to frequent startups and shutdowns, as they lack the ability to adjust operating frequencies based on indoor unit states.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor unit incorporates a pressure sensor to detect internal pipe pressure, allowing the outdoor unit controller to determine the indoor fan's state and adjust the compressor and fan operating frequencies, continuing to operate at a lower frequency during temperature-controlled shutdown states to maintain cooling capacity and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the outdoor unit operates at constant frequency using switching signals, then the control system remains simple, but power consumption increases and temperature fluctuations occur due to frequent startups and shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the compressor from constant-frequency operation to variable-frequency operation. The outdoor unit controller adjusts the compressor's operating frequency dynamically based on the indoor fan state detected through pressure signals, allowing the system to adapt its speed to actual cooling needs rather than operating at fixed high frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the compressor from fixed frequency to variable frequency. By detecting pressure changes in the refrigerant pipe that correlate with indoor fan state, the system modifies the compressor frequency parameter to match actual demand, reducing energy consumption during temperature-controlled shutdown states
2Device complexity
If the outdoor unit operates at constant frequency, then the control system remains simple, but indoor temperature stability deteriorates due to frequent startups and shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts compressor operation based on real-time detection of indoor fan state through pressure signals. During temperature-controlled shutdown states, the compressor continues operating at reduced frequency rather than shutting off completely, providing continuous cooling to maintain stable indoor temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using pressure sensor signals from the refrigerant pipe to detect the indoor fan state. This feedback loop allows the outdoor unit controller to adjust compressor frequency in response to actual indoor cooling conditions, stabilizing temperature by preventing abrupt on/off cycling
3Use of energy by moving object
If the outdoor unit shuts down completely when receiving power-off signals, then energy consumption decreases, but cooling capacity is insufficient during temperature-controlled shutdown states
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor's operating state rather than using binary on/off control. During temperature-controlled shutdown states, the compressor operates at a lower reduced frequency rather than shutting down completely, maintaining necessary cooling capacity while consuming less energy than full-frequency operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having the compressor continue operating at reduced capacity during temperature-controlled shutdown states. Instead of complete shutdown, the compressor provides partial cooling output that is sufficient to maintain indoor temperature stability while consuming less energy than full-power operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach stabilizes indoor temperatures, reduces power consumption, and minimizes temperature fluctuations by enabling variable-frequency operation even with constant-frequency communication signals, improving user comfort and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to detect an internal pressure of a first pipe
Implementation Method 2
The outdoor heat exchanger is configured to perform heat exchange between the outdoor air and a refrigerant transported in the outdoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
The compressor is configured to, when in an operating state, compress the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor unit includes a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of a first pipe. An outdoor unit controller is configured to: receive a switching signal; control an outdoor fan and a compressor to operate in a case where the switching signal instructs the outdoor unit to operate, the compressor operating at a first frequency; acquire a current state of the indoor fan in a case where the on signal instructs the outdoor unit to shut down; and control the compressor and the outdoor fan to operate if the current state of the indoor fan is an operating state, the compressor operating at a second frequency. The second frequency is lower than the first frequency. The current state of the indoor fan is obtained according to the internal pressure of the first pipe.